SILVER SPRING, Maryland - The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), is outraged by the implementation of a Department of Homeland Security directive revoking the "protected areas" policy and the resumption of the "Remain in Mexico" policy.

"These policy changes are an affront to human dignity and compassion," said Anna Gallagher, CLINIC executive director. "They send a chilling message to our immigrant communities and create an environment of fear that will prevent people from seeking the support they need and accessing their rights. We will not stand idly by as the rights of immigrants are trampled."

Protected areas — such as houses of worship, schools, and hospitals — are sanctuaries where individuals seek solace, education, and critical care without fear of intimidation or detention. The long-standing policy of avoiding ICE arrests in these areas — which included exceptions for national security reasons and extreme circumstances — has recognized the importance of these spaces for fostering trust and community stability.

"Rescinding these protections will disrupt families and communities, deter individuals from accessing essential services such as education and healthcare, and infringe upon their right to practice their faith freely," said Karen Sullivan, director of advocacy at CLINIC.

First implemented in 2019 by the Trump administration, the "Remain in Mexico" policy forced asylum seekers to return to Mexico to wait for their U.S. immigration proceedings. The "Remain in Mexico" policy not only separated families and restricted access to asylum, but also subjected vulnerable populations to harmful detention, prevented asylum seekers from accessing court hearings, and exposed them to threats of kidnapping and violence in Mexico.

"We are deeply grieved to see this policy reimplemented, as well as the protected areas policy revoked, because we know the extreme hardship each policy will bring for immigrant communities," continued Sullivan.

Pope Francis reminds us that "Each human being is a child of God. They bear the image of Christ, and they have a dignity that is theirs, not because of what they have or do, but because they are human."

"CLINIC upholds this message of inherent human dignity and urges that leaders recognize the profound consequences of these harmful policies," said Gallagher. "As people of faith, we call for renewed respect of protected areas and the rescission of the 'Remain in Mexico' policy to ensure immigrants and their families can access their rights, live without fear, and fulfill their basic needs, including the practice of religion."